Disney Cruise Line hosted local port officials and community leaders onboard the 2,700 passenger Disney Wonder for a plaque exchange ceremony today. These ceremonies are a maritime tradition and an opportunity for the Captain and the ship’s officers to celebrate the inaugural call on a new port, as well as for local officials and leaders to welcome the ship and guests to the community. This is the first time a Disney ship will have a regional homeport in southern Florida, allowing families from this area to take advantage of departing from a port close to their own backyard.

“We are excited to be in Miami for our inaugural season, sailing from southern Florida for the first time. Miami is an iconic port of call, recognized for its exciting blend of cultural influences, and is very appealing to our guests,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Thord Haugen. “While in port, families can enjoy vibrant regional cuisine, pastel skyscrapers, South Beach and eclectic shopping.”

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami on a variety of four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In April 2013, the Disney Wonder will return to the West Coast and resume Alaskan sailings from Vancouver. Her sister ship, the Disney Magic, will sail three, four- and five-night itineraries from Miami beginning in October 2013. In 2014, the Disney Wonder will return to Miami to sail on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from January through May.